Background

Because Windows XP still has a user base in August 2014 estimated at between 10-14% of all operating systems worldwide it remains a large target for exploitation. Since the end of support in April 2014 malware writers and criminals have been targeting Windows XP users, knowing that any exploits will not be corrected. There have been numerous reports of wide-ranging vulnerabilities being exploited. All of this means that Windows XP is no longer safe to use and cannot be reliably secured.

Risks

If you continue to use Windows XP there is a good chance that:

you will have your computer compromised by malware, taking advantage of known, but unpatched, exploits

you will have your data stolen, including credit card and banking information

your computer will be used under remote control as part of a botnet for purposes of spamming and that will result in NCF's mail server being blacklisted, interrupting all NCF user's mail.

Form

These days the choice of desktop computers is more limited than it was in 2001 when Windows XP came out, as many people have moved to portable devices. If you are looking for new hardware you need to consider what form computer would suit your needs best now.

An Acer Aspire netbook running Ubuntu

Desktop tower

Has the largest and most complete keyboards, mouse and is easy to set up with printers, scanners and other peripherals, usually connected by ethernet, although some modern ones support wifi.

Laptop

More portable, usually connected via wifi, enables you to work in your living room, bedroom, etc

Netbook

These were very popular a few years ago and there are still a few models available, essentially a small laptop, with a scaled down screen and keyboard.

Tablet

Smaller and lighter than a laptop, but lacks a real keyboard. Most people use these for watching video more than for writing on

Smart phone

These are really small computers more than phones and may be handy due to their portability, although their keyboards and screens are small.

Solutions

There are a number of possible solutions, with costs ranging from free to many thousands of dollars. Here are some possible solutions.

Buy a new computer running Windows 8

Windows 8 computers for sale in a store display

This is Microsoft's officially preferred solution for users still running Windows XP. A new desktop tower or laptop running Windows 8.1 will cost $450 and up. These are generally available at all electronics stores that sell computers.

Buy a used computer running Windows 7

In general computers that came with Windows XP will not run newer versions of Windows due to slow processors and lack of RAM. Used computers running Windows 7 are available at most used computer outlets, like FactoryDirect.ca in Ottawa for $100 and up.

Buy a Mac

A dedicated Mac store

Apple Macs are in general better protected against malware than Windows computers are, but they are more expensive. New desktop and laptop Macs start at about $1200, but used ones will be cheaper where available. Macs are available at dedicated Mac stores in Ottawa and some electronics stores that have in-store Mac shops.

Buy a Chromebook

Google Chromebooks have been on the market for a few years. These simple computers are Linux-based and primarily run the Google Chrome web browser. Most document processing tasks are carried out using Google Drive (formerly called Google Docs). Their main advantages are that they are well protected against malware, require little outside technical support or knowledge, update automatically and, for people with simple computing needs, may provide a cost-effective and safer computing experience. Chromebooks start at about $270.

Buy a Linux computer

Some computer vendors, such as Dell, System76 and others build new computers that come with Linux-based operating systems, such as Ubuntu, pre-installed. In general these have to be ordered through web sales. Linux-based systems are better protected against malware, more stable and these days are easy to use.

Install a new operating system on your Windows XP hardware

While old hardware that came with Windows XP will not generally run newer Windows operating systems there is a wide range of Linux-based operating systems that will run well on that hardware. The main advantages of Linux based systems are that they are well protected against malware, easy to install and learn and are generally available free of charge. That means if you already own a computer running Windows XP there are solutions that will cost nothing.

Many other familiar applications are available for Linux, too, like the Firefox and Chrome web browsers. Generally there are Linux applications to replace Windows applications and do almost all computing tasks. If you absolutely must use specific Windows applications many can be run using a compatibility layer, like Wine.

Linux operating systems will generally meet the needs of most computer users, unless there are specific Windows programs or games that have no Linux equivalent or cannot be run through Wine or other similar solutions.

Lubuntu

Lubuntu 14.04 LTS Live CD desktop

One recommended Linux operating system that is easy to install and has an interface that is similar to Windows is Lubuntu, a lightweight version of the Ubuntu operating system.

Lubuntu comes with the Firefox web browser, a word processor, text editor, spreadsheet and many other applications most users need. It also has about 30,000 additional free software applications available at no charge through the included Lubuntu Software Centre.

You can pick up a Lubuntu DVD at the NCF office or download the ISO file from lubuntu.net and burn it to a DVD yourself with an ISO writer. You can try it out as a "live CD" before you install it. You can install it in place of Windows XP or along side it, choosing which system to use on reboot.

It is a good idea before replacing Windows XP to ensure that you will be able to open and edit your existing documents on your new operating system. You can try this on a "live CD" session, or if you are unsure you can ask on the NCF Free Software Discussion Group. That group is also a good place to ask general questions about Lubuntu and Linux.

Lubuntu installation checklist

A sample of some methods of backing up your files: a DVD and three USB mass-storage devices ("Thumb drives").

Assess the kind of documents you need to work with and whether they can be edited in Linux (most common formats are no problem)

Complete a back-up of all documents and bookmarks

Boot to a "live CD" session to ensure that Lubuntu will work properly with your hardware (many require entering the computer set-up on boot to allow it to boot to a DVD before the hard drive)

Install Lubuntu from live session desktop "Install" or from boot screen "Install Lubuntu"